REINKE, Merlyn Lee
Merlyn Lee Reinke of Ferndale, WA, died peacefully at home on May 5, 2009, in the presence of his family; he was 73 years old. Merlyn was born November 30, 1935, in Hartley, Iowa, the eldest son of Glenn and Dorothea Reinke. Merlyn graduated from Hartley Public High School in 1954, he entered the U.S. Navy in January 1955, and he served four years active duty in San Diego, California, and aboard the USS Essex Aircraft Carrier. After the military, Merlyn attended Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, and the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, graduating with a bachelor of science degree. In 1960 he met his wife, the former Madonna McGovern, and the two were married May 13th, 1961, in Cascade, Iowa. Merlyn will be dearly missed by Madonna, his loving wife of 49 years.
Along with his wife, he is survived by daughter, Lori, and son-in-law, Pat Brown, and grandchildren, Brenna, Tristan, and Brielle; daughter, Lisa, and son-in-law, Jay Stiglitz, and grandchildren, Justin, Chad, Travis, and Garrit; and son, Jeff, and daughter-in-law, Gillian Reinke, and grandson, Mason, and step grandchildren, Cameron and Shaelyn. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Judy Reinke, and sister and brother-in-law, Glenda and Kenny Kroger of Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Merlyn worked his early years for Montgomery Ward & Co. Later he was employed for 26 years with the U.S. Customs Service. He retired December 31, 1996, from the federal government.
When his children were younger, Merlyn was involved for several years with Blue Birds and served as his son's Cub Scout master. Merlyn was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. During retirement, Merlyn and Madonna enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their motor home, but his passion was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at 11:00 AM, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ferndale.
You may share your thoughts and memories of Merlyn in the online guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com.
Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory - Ferndale